Bhadra River

About Bhadra River

Ecology of the river :-Based the ecology of the river, the entire river stretch can be divided into three distinct regions: (a) Region of surplus (comprises upper stretches of Tunga and Bhadra up to Tunga Anicut and Badhra Reservoir Project (BRP), having more or less pristine flow regime); (b) Controlled flow region (from BRP till Tungabhadra Reservoir (TBR) at Hospet. During the monsoon period, this region has natural flows but in the lean periods, flow rates are governed by agreement with Tungabhadra Board. This region shows intense cultivation and return flows are polluted in nature from urban settlements and industrial units as well) and (c) Region of deficit (marked from TBR till its confluence with River Krishna, and also water shortage).

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

It is surrounded by the hill ranges of Babudangiri and has a blend of nature and wildlife. It is located on a hillock, at the edge of the picturesque Bhadra River, near Lakkavalli adjoining the northern boundaries of the Bhadra Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary.

Tips & Suggestions

River Tern Lodge is a Weekend Getaway Ex-Bangalore or visited as a part of a Karnataka Itinerary

Location info

• **Address:**the origin of the Arkavathy River is traced to the southern foot of the Nandi Hills, which is 3000 meters above the sea level

• **District:**Chikkaballapur district.

• **Nearest City:**Shimoga

• Best time to visit: between June and September, leaving the entire sanctuary lush and green

Climate & weather

SEASON The climate is generally pleasant all through the year, while the bulk of the rainfall occurs during the Southwest Monsoon, between June and September, leaving the entire sanctuary lush and green. Summer months of March, April and May would be slightly warm.

Things to do at Bhadra River

ACTIVITIES :-
☀ Jeep rides into Bhadra Tiger Reserve Wildlife Sanctuary, which is about 4km from the resort.
☀ Sailing, kayaking, water cycle, water trampoline, joy fishing on offer.
☀ Boat ride on the backwaters of the Bhadra Reservoir.
☀ Trekking, island camping, bird watching, rock climbing for children and star gazing.
☀ A visit to Tyverekoppa Lion and Tiger Safari and visits to the Sakkrebyle Elephant camp.

Things to visit & highlights

WILDLIFE The Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary boasts of following Birds and Animals:
☀ Birds : The Grey junglefowl, Red spurfowl, Painted bush quail, Emerald dove, Southern green imperial pigeon, Great black woodpecker, Malabar parakeet and Hill myna just to name a few.
☀ Reptiles : Marsh crocodiles are usually found in the upstream stretches of the Bhadra River and Monitor lizards are also a common sight. The common otter and the smooth Indian otter can usually be sighted at the Bhadra Reservoir.
☀ Animals : Gaur certainly are the pride of Bhadra which is a common sight. Leopards are also fairly common, particularly in the Lakkavalli area. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary has been recently adopted under ‘Project Tiger’. This is an ideal tiger habitat although it is rare to see one! Wild dog tracks are also found all over the area. Elephants occur in all parts of the sanctuary and seem to migrate locally between Muthodi and Lakkavalli.
☀ Other Mammals : Palm civet, Stripe necked mongoose, Sloth bear, Large brown flying squirrel, Sambar, Spotted deer and the Wild boar.

How to reach Bhadra River

• **Nearest Railway Station:**Shimoga

• **Nearest Airport:**Mangalore

• **Road Transport:**Well connected by roads various KSRTC & Private Buses ply daily from various places.

Nearest visiting places

• Nandi hills

Nandi Hills is a hot favourite among Bangaloreans who find this an ideal get-away for weekends. The 1478-m high Nandi Hills is the originating point of many rivers

• Rangasthala Temples

Ranganatha Swamy Temple Situated in Chikkaballpura. It’s around 60kms from Bangalore. Chikballapur is the District Headquarters of the newly created District of Chikballapur in the State of Karnataka, India.Chikballapur is about 57 km north of Bengaluru (formerly Bangalore), the silicon plateau of India

• Vidurashwatha Temples

Vidurashwatha is a small village located in the Gauribidanur taluk of Chikkaballapur district in the state of Karnataka, India. Situated near the Karnataka - Andhra Pradesh border and about 6km from Gauribidanur, it had a major role to play in the freedom movement of India

• Nandi Archeology

At the foot of Nandi hill and its fort , 60 km from Bangalore, is a temple reflecting the Noramba style. In the 16th century there was a big open mandapa in the front with small

• Arkavathy River

Arkavathy River or Arkavathi River, is a river in India, originating at Nandi Hills of Chikkaballapur district. It is a tributary of the Kaveri River, which it joins at Kanakapura called sangama in kannada after flowing through Kolar District and Bangalore Rural district

• Penner River

The Pennar (also Penner, Penna or Penneru) is a river of southern India. The Penner rises on the hill of Nandi Hills in Chikballapur District of Karnataka state, and runs 560 km (350 miles) north and east through the state of Andhra Pradesh to empty into the Bay of Bengal

Helpline & emergency contacts

• **Police Station:**Shimoga

• **Nearest Hospital:**Shimoga

• Society/Community Phone Number

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Karnataka. 4G is reliable in Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, Hubli, and along highways. Coverage may be weaker in deep forest areas of Bandipur, Nagarhole, and certain Western Ghats sections. Most hotels, resorts, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Karnataka cuisine ranges from coastal seafood to Udupi vegetarian to Coorg’s pandi curry. Dosa, idli, bisi bele bath, and filter coffee are iconic.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are available in the nearest town or on the approach road — check locally for the closest option.

Best time to visit Bhadra River

October to March is the best time for river visits — pleasant weather and moderate water levels. Post-monsoon (October-November) offers full river flow without the danger of floods. Monsoon (June-September) brings high water levels — rafting and boating may be restricted. Summer sees reduced flow in some rivers.

Timings & opening hours

River access is open 24 hours. However, water activities are recommended during daylight hours only (6:00 AM to 6:00 PM).

Entry fee & tickets

Entry to the river bank is generally free. Some specific picnic spots or river resorts may charge entry fees. Coracle/boat rides: ₹200-₹500 per person depending on duration.

Duration needed

1-2 hours for a visit to the river bank. A half-day or full-day trip can be planned including picnicking, boating, and exploring the riverside.

Safety tips

Do not venture into deep or fast-flowing water. Many rivers have unpredictable currents. Avoid swimming alone. During monsoon, stay well away from river banks as water levels can rise suddenly. Do not attempt to cross the river when water levels are high. Watch for slippery rocks.

Things to carry

Water bottles, snacks for a riverside picnic, camera, sunscreen, hat, comfortable clothing, and water shoes/sandals if planning to enter the water. Raincoat during monsoon season.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest railway station depends on the river’s course — typically stations in the districts the river flows through. Nearest airport varies by location. The river is accessible by road from multiple points.

History of Bhadra River

Bhadra River is one of the important rivers of Karnataka, flowing through the state and supporting agriculture, ecosystems, and communities along its course. The river originates in the Western Ghats and flows through diverse landscapes before joining a larger river system or the Arabian Sea/Bay of Bengal. The river has cultural and religious significance in the region.

Frequently asked questions

Is river rafting available? White-water rafting is available on certain rivers during the post-monsoon season (October-February). The Kali River and Sharavathi River are popular rafting destinations.

Is fishing allowed? Fishing regulations vary — check with local authorities. Some rivers have designated fishing areas with permits.

What safety precautions should I take? Do not venture into deep or fast-flowing water. During monsoon, water levels can rise suddenly. Never swim alone.

Quick facts

• Type: Destination
• State: Karnataka
• Category: Rivers

Photo gallery of Bhadra River

Photos coming soon. In the meantime, you can find images of Bhadra River on popular travel photography sites and social media.